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Oxycodone Detox and Withdrawal

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, a naturally occurring opioid found in poppy seeds. Purdue Pharma makes a time-released preparation of oxycodone, which it sells under the brand name OxyContin. Physicians typically prescribe oxycodone for pain relief, and it is a commonly abused narcotic. Oxycodone addicts often require treatment in a substance abuse facility. Learn more about Oxycodone detox centers by contacting us at .

Medical Use

Physicians typically prescribe oxycodone for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It may also be used to relieve chronic pain in some cases. Oxycodone can be a treatment for severe diarrhea in cases where traditional treatments, such as diphenoxylate and loperamide, are ineffective. Morphine is generally more effective than oxycodone in treating pain from cancer, although oxycodone is better tolerated.

Side Effects

Oxycodone causes a variety of side effects when used in therapeutic dosages, like all opioids. These effects commonly include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Lightheadedness
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Sweating

Side effects that affect less than 5 percent of oxycodone patients include the following:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nervousness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Urine retention
  • Hiccups

Rare side effects of oxycodone include decreased testosterone secretion, an enlarged prostate gland and impotence.


Users who take oxycodone in high doses often experience additional symptoms, especially when they are not tolerant to the effects of opioids. Oxycodone detox centers often admit patients experience the following symptoms:

  • Depressed respiration
  • Clammy skin
  • Hypotension
  • Constricted pupils
  • Circulatory collapse
  • Respiratory arrest

Did You Know?

The United States was the world’s largest consumer of oxycodone from 2006 to 2008. Changes in the timed-release preparation of OxyContin since then have reduced the recreational value of OxyContin in the United States.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Oxycodone users are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly discontinue their use of oxycodone. These withdrawal symptoms are common to all opioids and include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attack
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fever

“Newborns may also experience withdrawal symptoms of oxycodone if their mothers take this drug during pregnancy.”Newborns may also experience withdrawal symptoms of oxycodone if their mothers take this drug during pregnancy.

The period of time when an addict goes through withdrawal is known as the detox phase of treatment. This should occur in an oxycodone withdrawal treatment facility so the patient’s vital signs can be continually monitored, especially their respiration. Physicians typically treat oxycodone addiction by gradually reducing the patient’s dosage of oxycodone to minimize the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Find out about the different oxycodone detox programs that are available by contacting us at .

Did You Know?

Preparations of oxycodone often include large amounts of acetaminophen, typically 325 mg per dosage. This produces adverse side effects that make it more difficult to use oxycodone recreationally.

Maintenance Medication

A physician in an oxycodone detox center may prescribe maintenance medication after a patient goes through the initial withdrawal period. The most common maintenance drug for oxycodone addiction is currently buprenorphine. This drug acts on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but it produces a much weaker effect. It reduces the patient’s craving for oxycodone without allowing them to get high. Physicians often combine buprenorphine with naloxone, which neutralizes opiates already in the patient’s system. This makes it more difficult for these patients to begin abusing buprenorphine. The patient will ideally be entirely weaned from opioids eventually.

Rehabilitation

Therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation, and it may consist of group or individual therapy. Group therapy is led by a trained therapist, which allows patients to address their drug use with other patients experiencing the same problems. This type of therapy is most common when the group is restricted to a particular segment of the population such as teens, men or women. Individual therapy is also important to address specific psychological issues driving the addictive behavior. Some treatment facilities also use family therapy, in which the patient’s immediate family members participate in the session.

Patients often spend the first part of their rehabilitation in an inpatient treatment center. This setting restricts the patient’s access to oxycodone, making it more difficult for him or her to relapse. A residential facility also allows the patient to focus on rehabilitation without distractions from his or her outside life. The standard duration for an inpatient rehabilitation program is 90 days, although some programs have durations of 30 or 60 days.

The specific format for addiction therapy can vary significantly. Many treatment centers use a 12-step program that is adapted from the original 12-step program used to treat alcoholism. Some oxycodone detox centers use their own signature program and others use programs based on religion. Additional therapy sessions can include training in life skills and nutrition, usually for long-term oxycodone addicts.

Call Now for Oxycodone Addiction Help

Call us now at for information on oxycodone detox and withdrawal treatment facilities in your area. You don’t have to struggle any longer; support is available.

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